How to Fix a Leaking Roof Quickly

Wear a water-resistent parka when fixing roof leaks in the rain.

Many homeowners don't discover that their roof has a leak until a hard rain starts to fall. In many cases, this is because the roof mastic used to seal where pipes and vents go through a roof flashing has developed gaps that leak. Typically, these leaks show up as signs of water at the area of a sink, furnace or a water heater. Tile roofs and roofs that leak badly should be fixed by an emergency roofing service. But a homeowner can fix a minor leak quickly and avoid potential costly repairs.

1

Put on work gloves and stand an extension ladder at the edge of the roof. Remove the lid from a 1-gallon container of wet-application roof mastic, using a screwdriver or paint-can opener. Carry the container and a plastic putty knife that has a 2-inch-wide blade onto the roof.

2

Locate the plumbing pipe or vent at the area where signs of a leak were seen inside the house. If you're not sure of the location, inspect the mastic at each roof flashing where pipes or vents go through the roof.

3

Apply a generous amount of mastic around the upper edge of a flashing and the portion of a pipe or vent just above the flashing. To do this, scoop some mastic from the container with the blade of the putty knife and apply it around the edge of the flashing and the pipe or vent instead of applying it upward or downward.

4

Continue to scoop mastic from the container and apply it, as necessary, to completely seal the upper edge of the flashing at a pipe or vent.

Things You Will Need

Work gloves

Extension ladder

Wet-application roof mastic, 1-gallon

Screwdriver or paint-can opener

Plastic putty knife, 2-inch-wide

Tips

Typically, leaks on older shingled roofs and flat roofs are the result of damaged shingles or cracks in the roof coating. These can be difficult to locate because water leaking through the roof can travel along the rafters before dripping down. Always water-test a shingled or flat roof during dry weather using a garden hose and ask an assistant to access the attic and identify the precise location of a leak. Consult a roofing contractor regarding methods to patch leaks in these roofs.

About the Author

William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school. In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing. He studied architecture at Taft Junior College.